Deserving of so much more than its recent political history allowed, Turkmenistan is a beautiful and welcoming country with much to offer.
Ben Colbridge, North & Central Asia Specialist, 01993 838217
To the north of Iran lies the arid expanse of Turkmenistan, stretching from the Caspian Sea in the west to the borders of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in the east. This sparsely-populated country is home to a proud nomadic people famous for their fine Akhal Teke horses, huge, shaggy woollen hats and exquisite carpets. Turkmenistan boasts one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites at Merv, inhabited for more than 7,000 years, as well as some of Central Asia’s best wildlife trekking, close to the Afghan border at Badkhyz.
Selected Highlights
Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”.
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Admire the legacy of Turkmenbashi
Turkmenistan's late despot, Turkmenbashi, was a sort of latter-day Khan, putting large quantities of the national budget towards rebuilding Ashgabat...
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Haggle at Ashgabat's Sunday market
There is much fun to be had in haggling for fine Turkmen carpets at Ashgabat’s tremendous Sunday market, as well as the experience of rubbing shoulders with...
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Disover the ancient city of Gonur
There have been settlements in the Gonur area of Turkmenistan since around 7000BC - The Bronze Age. The city, regarded by some as one of the largest...
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